RLA Pastor's blog

I recently heard it said, “Don’t just develop a prayer life. Develop a life of prayer.” I believe the psalmist described a life of prayer when he wrote this, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).

Note the terms “dwells” and “abide.” They translate two different Hebrew words. The first means to settle. Think of moving into a house. No longer are you moving here and there. You have settled. The second means to stay permanently. Not only have you moved into your new house, but you are there to stay.

There are many people who lack a life of prayer, and yet in certain circumstances will be motivated to pray. The psalmist described them, “They are at their wits’ end. Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses” (Psalm 107:27-28).

These are like the old farmer who gave this interesting testimony — ​

“Last week I fell in Hodgkins’ well, head first, With both my heels a stickin’ up and my head a pointin’ down. I prayed a prayer right there and then, best prayer I ever said. The prayingest prayer I ever prayed while standin’ on my head!”

Of course, God hears us whenever we cry out for help (Psalm 34:6). But prayer is intended to be more than an occasional SOS sent heavenward in times of crisis. God’s Word invites us to dwell and abide in the secret place of prayer. Rather than sporadic exchanges and periodic discussions with God, we are invited to enjoy an ongoing conversation with the “Most High,” the “Almighty,” the “LORD,” who is “my God” (Psalm 91:1-2).

The September theme at RLA is PRAY. Each Sunday we will present a different message on the subject of prayer. On Sunday, September 11th, we will join Assemblies of God churches in a nationwide prayer meeting called Cry Out America. A special seven-day prayer emphasis will begin this Sunday, September 4th, leading up to the fifteenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Plan now to be a part of these exciting services.

I also encourage you to make RLA POWER on Sunday evenings a regular part of your Lord’s Day schedule. RLA POWER is a one-hour (5:00-6:00pm) service that includes worship, a message of instruction and encouragement on prayer, and then time spent actually praying.

Finally, I want to point out that the word “pray” is a verb. A verb is an action word. God doesn’t just want us to talk about prayer and learn about prayer. He wants us to pray! So let’s do it. Take advantage of the opportunities for prayer offered this month at RLA, and seek to develop not just a prayer life, but a life of prayer.